When it comes to heartwarming desserts, traditional German apple cake always tops the list. This simple, authentic cake evokes memories of home and childhood. Every family has their own version, passed down through generations, with little secrets that make it unique. I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who prepared it with few ingredients but a lot of love.
This versatile cake is perfect for breakfast, as a snack with friends, or as a light and delicious way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples
- 190g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 100ml (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon) milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Brown sugar and additional cinnamon for topping
How to make traditional German apple cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) cake pan.
- Peel and thinly slice the apples. Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the egg mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in the lemon zest and fold in the apple slices.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange a layer of apple slices on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Arrange the remaining apple slices in a circular pattern on the surface.
- Sprinkle the top with brown sugar and a dusting of cinnamon for a crispy crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!
